Press Release

Pulling Up Her Own Chair: A Project Manager’s Path in Construction

A interview with Landry/French Project Manager Cassondra Davee

What inspired you to pursue a career in construction, and when did you know it was the right path for you?

When I was in high school, my parents decided to build our house. I loved attending meetings with the designers to review floor plan layouts, pick out finishes, and walk the site as it was being built. I would say this is what first sparked my interest in construction. As I got older, I worked with my dad during the summers at his landscaping company. The work was physically demanding, but I was able to work outside all day and see my work take shape in front of me. I knew then that I felt more satisfaction in my work when I could see tangible results.

During college, I worked part-time for a construction management company, which led to me working full-time as a MEP manager after graduation. I loved this job because it allowed me to use my engineering degree and be on project sites every day. A few years into my career, I decided to pivot and work as a mechanical designer at an architecture/engineering firm in Portland. While I enjoyed learning about HVAC design, I missed seeing my work come to life. All of my experiences helped me hone in on what I enjoy most about my work and reinforced that I belonged on the construction side of projects.

What does a typical day look like in your role?

One of the best parts about my role is that each day can look different. A typical day involves coordinating with subcontractors, owners, design teams, and my own project team. Some days I am in the field and get to walk through the project sites while other days I am in the office planning and managing. I am lucky to get variety in my work each week.

Can you share a moment when something didn’t go as planned and what you learned from it?

There are many times when the best plans did not go as expected. This could happen for many reasons: scope was added, existing conditions were unforeseen, materials were delayed, manpower shortages occurred, or I made a mistake. No matter the reason, I have learned that plans are always changing, and it’s important to adapt.

What’s the toughest lesson construction has taught you so far?

Self-advocacy. Being a woman in construction can feel isolating if there is no one else nearby who is having similar experiences as you. Because what I need to succeed may look different from what my co-workers need, I’ve learned how to advocate for what I want my career to look like and what I want my work environment to be like.

How do you handle high-pressure situations on a project?

The best way to defuse a high-pressure situation is to stay calm. Energy is contagious. If I am able to control my reaction to stress, then it can affect the people around me. I find this to be especially true when someone else is already stressed or if there are major consequences to what is being discussed. My calmness helps defuse others’ stress to a level where we can think clearly and work together on the problem at hand.

How do you see the role of women in construction evolving, and what does it mean to you to be part of that change?

I have seen a significant increase in women in construction since I started working in the industry. Women often have a different perspective, which can lead to innovation and create solutions to problems. More women in construction also create a better support system for both women currently in construction and women who are just joining. I want to do everything I can to help the women around me, whether that’s eliminating obstacles, helping someone develop a new skill, or serving as a mentor.

What advice would you give your younger self — or other women considering a career in construction?

You are in charge of your career! If there is a new skill you want to learn or a new direction you want to take, make it happen. Do not wait to be invited to attend a meeting or be too timid to speak up. Sometimes you have to pull your own chair up to the table instead of being invited to sit.